Asian Hospital and Medical Center recently launched its new service stereotactic radiation therapy service the CyberKnife, the first in the Philippines.
The CyberKnife is non-invasive treatment designed for both cancerous and non-cancerous lesions, as well as other medical conditions requiring radiotherapy. Unlike conventional radiotherapy systems, CyberKnife delivers precise and accurate treatments, reducing damage to healthy tissues and minimizing side effects.
CyberKnife treatments are typically performed in one to five sessions and can be an alternative to surgery for patients with inoperable or surgically complex tumors. No incisions and no anesthesia are required.
Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the tumor. It is an outpatient procedure and patients can usually return to their normal activities shortly after treatment. Philhealth benefits can be deducted from the cost of treatment.
At the launch of the service, doctors from different specialties expressed high hopes for the CyberKnife as a treatment option for their patients. Dr. Raphael Arada, a urologist, said, “CyberKnife is revolutionary in its role and in its treatment in prostate cancer.”
Dra Jaymee Fernandez-Ramos, a radiation oncologist, said, “CyberKnife is a precise, safe and effective treatment for cancer patients.”
Dr. Lenora Fernandez, a pulmonologist, said, “Cyberknife is non-invasive, very safe and super-targeted treatment for lung cancer.” Dr. Lenora herself experienced adverse effects from radiotherapy after being treated for breast cancer in 2003. She believes CyberKnife generally offers a better choice for patients.
Dr. Beaver Tamesis, a cardiologist and the president and chief executive officer of Asian Hospital, said “Cyberknife – It’s about time! It’s home!”
For inquiries, contact: Asian Cancer Institute at (02) 8771-9000 ext. 8105.
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- Specialists at CyberKnife launch (from left): Dr. Beaver Tamesis, cardiologist; Dr. Lenora Fernandez, pulmonologist; Dr. Jaymee Fernandez-Ramos, radiation oncologist; and Dr. Raphael Arada, urologist
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- CyberKnife treatment may be used for brain lesions, lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, pediatric cancer, spinal tumors, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and oligometastasis or cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
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- CyberKnife
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- During treatment, the patient lies on a table while the robotic arm moves around them. Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the tumor.
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- ICANSERVE volunteer Victoria Goboy Arjona (leftmost) was at the CyberKnife launch with journalists who covered the event.
-story and photos by ICANSERVE volunteer Victoria Goboy Arjona